Supreme Court rejects challenge to DHS border wall construction waivers

The high court refused to hear a challenge to the Trump administration's waivers of environmental regulations for San Diego-area border wall projects.

By Kim Slowey • Dec. 7, 2018

Federal judge allows preconstruction on stalled XL Pipeline

Lawyers for TransCanada Corp. said that certain planning activities for the pipeline would not violate the essence of the current injunction, which they say threatens 700 jobs and almost $950 million of earnings.

By Kim Slowey • Nov. 29, 2018

FAA regulatory delays hamper drone expansion

Rules allowing drones to fly beyond lines of sight and over people may be on hold until the Federal Aviation Administration finalizes airborne-identification requirements as late as 2022.

By Kathleen Brown • Nov. 28, 2018

The Dotted Line: A successful project closeout 'starts at the beginning'

Planning and organization go a long way in keeping punch list items to a minimum and closeout documents organized.

By Kim Slowey • Nov. 27, 2018

Cal/OSHA cites firm in trench death, proposes $141K fine

Bay Construction Co. workers were allegedly dismantling a trench box when the employee, still inside, was crushed by a falling support system.

By Kim Slowey • Nov. 27, 2018

How builder's risk coverage can protect buildings under construction

Every business, small or large, that embarks on a construction project needs builder's risk insurance because it typically covers things that property and liability policies don't, legal experts say.

By Alan H. Packer and Graham C. Mills • Nov. 26, 2018

What you need to know about risk

In an industry with notoriously tight profit margins, the success of projects often comes down to effective management of risk in all its forms, ranging from rising interest rates to talent shortages to faulty workmanship.

By Kathleen Brown • Nov. 26, 2018

Two execs of Korean construction firm charged with defrauding US out of millions

SK Engineering & Construction staff allegedly disguised kickbacks to a U.S. Army official with fake subcontracts for a U.S. military project in South Korea.

By Kim Slowey • Nov. 16, 2018

NYC delays worker safety training requirement to June 2019

The Department of Buildings postponed a Dec. 1 deadline for city workers to complete 30 hours of safety training after reportedly determining that the number of providers cannot meet demand.

By Kim Slowey • Nov. 14, 2018

NYC charges construction supers in mini crane accident

The Manhattan District Attorney's office announced criminal charges against two construction supervisors in the wake of a June crane accident that resulted in serious injuries to two workers. 

By Kim Slowey • Nov. 13, 2018

Federal judge blocks $8B Keystone XL Pipeline construction

The court order prevents construction until the administration performs an in-depth review of the project's potential environmental and cultural impacts.

By Kim Slowey • Nov. 13, 2018

Which hazards top OSHA's 10 most-cited safety violations list?

Here is a breakdown of the total number of violations on this year's list per standard as well as details about each standard.

By Kim Slowey • Nov. 12, 2018

Atlanta City Council commits $2B for $5B Gulch development

Developer CIM Group has agreed to provide a community benefits package worth at least $58 million, but critics of the mixed-use project don't think it's enough to dodge gentrification.

By Kim Slowey • Nov. 8, 2018

Fairground advocacy group files injunction to stop construction of Nashville MLS stadium

The motion for a temporary restraining order is the latest salvo of the lawsuit, which Save our Fairgrounds filed on Sept. 4.

By Kim Slowey • Nov. 6, 2018

Massachusetts contractor fined $837K for wage violations

Force Corp. allegedly failed to make timely wage payments to employees and took illegal deductions from their paychecks for tools, safety equipment, discipline and advances. 

By Kim Slowey • Nov. 5, 2018

OSHA cites Florida roofer in fatal fall, proposes $134K fine

The agency cited Kasper Roofing & Construction for the accident and for not training its other employees on fall hazards.

By Kim Slowey • Nov. 5, 2018

California contractors plead guilty to $6M fraud, theft

The two siblings behind Ultimate, Inc. could face around nine years in prison.

By Kim Slowey • Nov. 2, 2018

Advocacy group launches legal battle against Los Angeles Metro high-density plan

Fix the City claims the city's infrastructure should be up to standards before it proceeds with high-density growth along the light-rail Expo Line.

By Kim Slowey • Nov. 1, 2018

AIA addresses industry nuances with 13 contract updates

This round of revisions includes the option for a contractor and subcontractor to set terms and conditions for a deal with multiple scopes of work and updates to better address legal issues involved in joint ventures.

By Kim Slowey • Oct. 31, 2018

ICC tall wood changes likely for 2021 code

The International Code Council has released the preliminary results of its last online governmental consensus vote, and, pending certification, the package of 14 new tall wood construction code change proposals will be incorporated into the 2021 code.

By Kim Slowey • Updated Dec. 21, 2018

The cost of allocating design risk to contractors

Design flaws are a constant risk in construction, but the contractual allocation of that risk can sway considerably from project to project.

By Doug Tabeling of Smith, Currie & Hancock LLP on behalf of ConsensusDocs • Oct. 30, 2018

Permitting head retires amid scrutiny of MGM National Harbor construction flaws

Haitham Hijazi is leaving the department that permitted the $1.4 billion Maryland project, which the FBI and local police are investigating following a child's severe electric shock from a lighted handrail.

By Kim Slowey • Updated Nov. 7, 2018

Mass timber's striking case for sustainability

As mass timber lays claim to increasingly innovative technology and prefabrication, it also hopes to get an edge up on its traditional building material counterparts through its lower carbon footprint and renewability traits.

By Laurie Cowin • Oct. 26, 2018

Trump authorizes $6B of water infrastructure projects

The legislation, which the president signed into law this week, also reauthorizes the EPA's WIFIA program, allowing the agency to loan money to contractors and others for eligible water and wastewater infrastructure projects.

By Kim Slowey • Oct. 26, 2018

Construction industry raises millions to fight California gas-tax repeal measure

A defeat of Proposition 6 would pave the way for billions of dollars' worth of road, bridge and other infrastructure work during the coming years. 

By Kim Slowey • Oct. 25, 2018